Pennsylvania General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
Practice with real PA General Knowledge exam questions and detailed explanations. Rated 4.8 stars by 1,000+ drivers.
Written by CDL holders and exam prep experts · Updated April 2026
Free Questions
10
Passing Score
80%
Time Limit
No time limit specified
Prerequisites
Required foundation test for all CDL classes (A, B, C)
What is the General Knowledge Test?
The General Knowledge test is required for all CDL applicants. It covers basic commercial driving skills, vehicle inspection, safety procedures, and federal regulations. This is the foundation test that all CDL drivers must pass.
Required foundation test for all CDL applicants
Topic Breakdown
Vehicle Inspection
~12 questions
- Pre-trip inspection procedures
- In-cab inspection items
- Engine compartment checks
Basic Control Skills
~10 questions
- Backing and parking techniques
- Space management
- Speed and distance judgment
Safe Driving
~10 questions
- Following distance and speed management
- Night and weather driving
- Hazard awareness and response
Transporting Cargo
~8 questions
- Weight distribution and securing cargo
- Load limits and weight restrictions
- Cargo documentation
Vehicle Systems
~6 questions
- Engine systems and maintenance
- Electrical and lighting systems
- Suspension and steering systems
Regulations and Safety
~4 questions
- Hours of service regulations
- CDL requirements and restrictions
- Traffic laws and penalties
Free Practice Questions
10 questionsQuestion 1 of 10
If a straight vehicle (not trailer or articulation) goes into front-wheel skid, it will:
Browse Pennsylvania General Knowledge Questions
- 1. If a straight vehicle (not trailer or articulation) goes into front-wheel skid, it will:
- 2. You are driving a truck with a manual transmission. What gear will you probably have to use to take a long, steep downhill grade?
- 3. The center of gravity of a load:
- 4. To prevent a load from shifting, there should be at least one tie down for every ____ feet of cargo.
- 5. You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 55 mph. The road is dry, and visibility is good.What is the least amount of space that you need to have in front of your vehicle?
- 6. Stab braking should not be used on vehicles with:
- 7. How many hours may a CMV driver be on duty within a seven-day period?
- 8. When driving at night, you should:
- 9. The BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated when driving a commercial vehicle is:
- 10. The bridge formula:
Study Tips for Pennsylvania
- 1Study Pennsylvania Turnpike and bridge weight restrictions
- 2Learn Pennsylvania's specific commercial vehicle routing laws
- 3Master pre-trip inspection procedures thoroughly
- 4Study hours of service regulations and logbook requirements
- 5Review Pennsylvania CDL Manual completely
- 6Understand Pennsylvania's mountainous terrain driving requirements
Pennsylvania CDL Information
Age Requirements
Intrastate: 18+ · Interstate: 21+
CDL Renewal
Every 4 years
ELDT Required
Yes — ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) from FMCSA-registered provider
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Official CDL Portal →Career Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
The General Knowledge test is required for all CDL applicants. It covers basic commercial driving skills, vehicle inspection, safety procedures, and federal regulations.
General Knowledge Study Resources
Other Pennsylvania CDL Tests
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